The Brazilian Undisputed Star? Neymar's World Cup Countdown Challenge
As the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was receiving treatment for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, earning around seventy-three thousand pounds in prize money.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona lift the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
After coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, drawing more attention for similar incidents than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, restore a passion for the game that seemed lost after frustrating spells with PSG and Al Hilal.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for each stakeholder.
This reflects the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to prove that they are ready. The clock is ticking [for him]," 1970 World Cup-winner Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil manager the Italian tactician revealed his team selection for the forthcoming matches against Korea Republic and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for two years.
He continues to be an injury doubt for the November games, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the definitive squad for the World Cup.
"Over a decade and a half, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play three games in a row."
'If Neymar is left out for technical reasons, something isn't right'
Not only has Neymar had multiple fitness issues since his return to Brazil - he's missed nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a distant from the player who during his prime dared to challenge the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, half have come against teams from lower tiers than Brazil's top flight - a scoring contribution against a lower-league side, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Despite that, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is prepared for the World Cup.
"His goal must be to be ready in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, suggesting the star had been omitted from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.
"If the player we have placed all our hopes on to deliver the World Cup is left out for technical reasons, obviously there's a problem," Cafu commented.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Studies from Datafolha found that the Brazilian public are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's historical leading marksman, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having argued with fans on several occasions in venues - it occurred in three consecutive matches in mid-year.
The next month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 home defeat by their rivals - the worst result of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "Again with this, friend? I've answered this countless times already."
The identical inquiry has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's intention was to spend a limited period at Santos. To what end? To regain fitness. If Neymar managed to play, amen," he previously explained, causing outrage among fans.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's prime period remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way forward Ronaldo "Fenômeno" did in 2002 to overcome doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend sees similarities.
"He's a essential player for Brazil - there's nobody like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's neglecting his fitness rehabilitation.
Anyone who have been in football recognize fully how hard it is to return from an injury and regain form and self-belief. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to prove that he's not the heir who relinquished his status.
